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If you’re a caregiver for an older adult, you may have noticed that at times, it’s difficult to connect with your loved one. Maybe they seem depressed and withdrawn, or maybe you’re stuck in a rut with the same routine. Or, dementia may be making communication difficult. How can you engage the older adult in your life, and find meaningful activities to share as a caregiver?

In a joint survey conducted by Humana and the National Council on Aging, 90% of older adults reported that they feel “revitalized” when they spend time with their families. 1 This positive effect on well-being is something you can offer to the older adult you provide care for. There are a few ways to make this easier. Let’s take a closer look.

1. Consider any limitations

It can be easy to see things from only our own perspective. As a caregiver, you might not even be aware of all the limitations your loved one faces. These limitations can prevent them from enjoying activities, or sometimes from even joining them:

• Mobility
• Vision
• Hearing
• Cognitive challenges

Are there activities you know the older adult in your life would like to do, but they seem to avoid them? Are there activities you have suggested but they don’t seem interested? Consider if any limitations could be behind the reluctance.

Maybe there is a similar option that doesn’t involve those limitations; for example, inviting a good friend over for a card game, instead of going to visit. You can even offer to pick up and drive the friend to your loved one’s home.

2. Remove barriers where possible

This brings us to another way to help engage an older adult: removing barriers. By finding ways to make activities accessible despite limitations, a whole new world can open up. Some examples:

• Be an advocate- by joining your loved one at routine doctor’s visits, you can learn more about what kinds of health concerns and limitations they have. This is also an opportunity to ask the doctor if there are ways to help with mobility and other tasks, like a referral to an occupational therapist (OT) or physical therapist (PT) who can help you with ideas to make activities more accessible.

• Improve vision challenges- large print versions of crosswords, books, games, and more can help someone with vision trouble join in more easily. Could a magnifying glass help, or an e-reader that can magnify print? Better yet, offer to read their favorite materials to them. And audiobooks offer an option to share a book aloud together while doing another hands-on task, like a craft.

• Remove physical barriers- a seated walker can allow for rest breaks more easily; a wheelchair can mean the difference between being able to get outdoors for a walk in the fresh air, or being stuck in the house. Teaching older adults to use a simple tablet for video calls can let them stay connected virtually with important people in their lives.

• Offer smaller, simpler versions of larger activities- maybe the person used to love gardening but can’t bend and walk as easily anymore; try container gardening on the porch, or arrange comfortable seating and let them work to pot small plants rather than a whole flowerbed. Or maybe they enjoyed cooking elaborate dishes- aim for simpler recipes, and work together on the tasks involved to prep and bake. Maybe they can help you find a new recipe to try each week!

• Bring entertainment into the home- going out to the movies might be too much, but playing a new release on a big-screen TV, making popcorn, and inviting over friends or family can make it an event at home. Recorded concerts can bring well-loved music to life. What about a comedy night at home?

3. Remember to ask for their input

All of the above ideas are great ways to engage an older adult in your care, but perhaps the most important part of it all is collaboration. What are their ideas? What do they like to do most, or miss the most?

You can get a lot more buy-in when it comes to activities by asking questions and including a person in figuring out the best solutions to be a part of things. What stories can they tell you about their life and favorite memories? Sometimes just listening can give you clues about good activity choices.

4. Encourage companionship to engage an older adult

Loneliness can have major negative consequences for older adults. As limitations in mobility and health problems interfere with getting out of the house, it can be easy for older adults to become isolated. And as one study reported, older adults who identified themselves as lonely had a 45% higher risk of death and a 59% higher risk of health decline. 2

Encouraging companionship for an older adult in your care should be a top priority. Some of the activities that create connections with other people can help your loved one stay more mentally active, too:

• Help them learn something new- maybe they’d like to be able to play a game online with a friend but don’t understand the app. Or there’s a class they’d go to if they could drive- could you take it together?

• Adopt a pet- this isn’t for everyone, but if you’re able to help them care for a pet, you can both enjoy sharing the fun a pet brings, and they can form a bond with an animal friend that is with them 24/7.

• Ask them to teach you a skill you don’t have- maybe you can’t crochet but would like to learn. Interested in gardening but don’t know where to start? Need cooking tips? Older adults have a wealth of experience and often enjoy sharing it and feeling valuable.

• Play a game together- nothing beats game night! Card games, putting together puzzles, board games, and more are all great activities for spending time with an older adult.

• Go for a walk together- not only does this encourage physical exercise, it’s also a great time to have a quiet conversation.

Caregiving is a team effort

No matter which approach you take to engage the older adult in your care, remember that caregiving doesn’t have to fall on one person. If you are a primary caregiver at risk for caregiver burnout, there may be other resources you can lean on. Are there other family members who enjoy gardening more than you do? Maybe they can join once a month. Reading books isn’t your thing? Can another person drop by to read for a while?

Another option to help you keep the older adult in your life engaged and happy is to involve a professional in-home caregiver. Whether it’s for temporary respite care or regular help with daily tasks, a paid caregiver can build a relationship with the person in their care and pick up with activities wherever family caregivers leave off.

If you’re ready to add in-home care to your toolkit of ways to support your loved one, Caresify’s experienced caregivers can provide person-centered care that gives you the peace of mind of knowing your loved one is safe and happy when you can’t be there. For more details, visit our homepage or call 888-799-5007.

References

1. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payer/many-seniors-connect-well-being-to-time-they-spend-family
2. https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2012/06/98644/loneliness-linked-serious-health-problems-and-death-among-elderly

Spending time in the kitchen serves the basic function of preparing healthy food to eat, but for many, it’s also a source of enjoyment and the center of social activities in the home.

Over the years, cooking and spending time in the kitchen can become more difficult. Loss of vision, strength, and balance can turn navigating the kitchen into a struggle. Arthritis pain can interfere with simple tasks. Changes in memory can even make the kitchen a confusing or dangerous place.

Especially for older adults who live alone or with one other adult, meal prep in the face of physical challenges becomes a hassle barely worth undertaking.

There are ways to get back into the kitchen and safely enjoy cooking again as an older adult, though. Some simple tips and hacks can improve these challenges and even encourage social interaction around cooking again.

Overcoming Barriers in the Kitchen

Sometimes the easiest solution to improve the kitchen experience for an older adult is to remove common barriers that make cooking more difficult as a person ages. If you’re a caregiver, you might not even be aware of how much the older adult in your life is struggling to perform basic kitchen tasks. Let’s look at some trouble spots that can be improved.

Adaptive kitchen tools & tricks

Difficulties with vision, reaching for items, and grip strength can all interfere with cooking. Thankfully, there are easy adaptations that you can make:

Kitchen utensils

Look for items with large handles, or grips designed to slide over handles that make them easier to grasp. Double-handled pots, pans, cups, mugs, and other kitchen items can be much easier to carry, and safer to manage this way if they’re filled with a hot liquid. Weighted utensils can help people with Parkinson’s tremors control what they’re holding better.

Helpful tools

Jar openers, an electric can opener, rocking knives for chopping, lever-style sink handles, a food processor, non-slip mats for holding mixing bowls in place, and a grabber to reach faraway items can all improve the ease of tasks that require grip strength an older adult might have difficulty with.

You can also use everyday tools you already have in creative ways to make tasks easier. A pizza cutter works just fine on pancakes or waffles. A melon baller can scoop seeds out of peppers. A measuring cup can help you transfer water to a pot, instead of filling the pot and carrying it.

Caregiver help

Having a caregiver available to help can make the kitchen more accessible, too. This doesn’t have to mean an older adult gives up all their independence in the kitchen. A caregiver can assist with moving heavy pots or baking dishes, and tasks like peeling fruits or vegetables if it’s just a little too much to manage. Not only does this allow an older adult to participate in cooking, but it’s also an opportunity for companionship as well.

Organization strategies

Along with new tools and utensils, changing the way the kitchen is organized can make a big difference in how accessible the kitchen is. This is an area you can get creative with, by taking your limitations into account and using the following suggestions where appropriate.

Move items within reach

If balance is a concern, overextending to reach for items can be dangerous and can at the very least discourage an older adult from spending time in the kitchen.

Think about commonly used items in cabinets and move them to lower shelves. Make sure appliances like the mixer and microwave are on counters, not up on shelves. Consider a refrigerator that is side-by-side or has a freezer on the bottom, which puts many frequently-used items at eye level instead of bending and reaching.

Clearly label items to avoid confusion or mix-ups due to poor vision

Memory and vision problems can both make the kitchen harder to navigate. There are some simple hacks you can use that will help overcome both of these challenges.

Re-label items like spices with hand-written, large print labels. Use bright colored tape on knife handles to avoid accidentally grabbing the blade. Label the outside of each cabinet for ease in finding contents.

Use large-print measuring tools and cookbooks. Hang pot holders where they are easy to find. If the refrigerator has an “open door” alarm, be sure it’s set to alert users that the door has accidentally been left ajar. Puffy paint can be used to mark the “off” position on the stove knobs so an older adult with poor vision can make sure they are lined up correctly when they’re done cooking.

Kitchen Safety for Older Adults

Falls, burns, cuts, and kitchen fires are all common safety concerns for older adults. It’s important to give the following safety tips special attention.

General safety tips

• Add extra lighting to the kitchen for better visibility
• Clean up spills immediately
• Keep a regular cleaning schedule to reduce bacteria on surfaces that can cause illness, especially in older adults with compromised immune systems
• Choose plastic over glass when possible to avoid the potential hazard of broken glass
• Don’t use rugs in the kitchen- they are a trip hazard
• Don’t use step stools to reach items
• Make sure the water heater isn’t set above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. 1

Kitchen fire safety tips

Cooking fires are responsible for 49% of house fires each year in the US. 2 And even without a fire, burns are a serious concern for older adults who may react slower to fire and heat hazards in the kitchen. Keep these safety tips in mind:

• Don’t use the stove if you have taken any medications that make you drowsy, or are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Don’t leave the stovetop unattended
• Cook on the back burners if possible, and always turn pan handles away from you
• Use a lid or splash guard/screen to avoid hot oil splatters while frying
• Always set alarms to remind you to check on food
• Keep flammable items like pot holders, food packaging, towels, and curtains away from the stove
• Don’t wear loose or long-sleeved clothing while cooking
• Keep the stove and burners clean of buildup or residue
• Never try to put out a grease fire with water
• Cover burning pans with a lid if possible and leave covered until cooled
• Make sure you have smoke detectors and check them monthly to be sure they are working
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen area
• If a fire is out of control, leave the house and call 911. More than half of non-fatal kitchen fire injuries each year are caused by people trying to put out a fire on their own. 3

Using technology in the kitchen for safety

With modern technology comes advances that can improve kitchen safety for older adults. Consider these options:

• Stove shutoff timers that can be pre-set
• The FireAvert, which interacts with your existing smoke detector to shut off the stove in the event of an alarm
• Motion detectors that will turn the stove off if you move too far away, including smart monitoring systems like the iGuardStove, which can send caregivers alerts and allows remote access to safety settings
• Motion-activated lighting that improves visibility in the kitchen
• Voice-controlled smart appliances can increase your mobility and reduce falls in the kitchen– virtually!  (Think about turning on and off appliances from across the room.)

Making Healthy Eating Choices

Last but not least, as an older adult, it’s important to make healthy eating choices while you’re in the kitchen preparing meals. Think about these food and cooking tips:

• Talk to your doctor about the healthiest diet plan for you- Conditions like heart disease and diabetes often require special attention to diet choices. Does your doctor recommend low-carb, low-sugar foods? Should you restrict your sodium intake? Always follow your doctor’s recommendations when planning a menu.

• Cook extra portions and save them for later- it can be hard to scale meals down to one or two servings sizes anyway, and if cooking is labor intensive for you, freezing leftovers gives you simple options to reheat later so you don’t skip meals or reach for pre-packaged substitutes, which are usually high in sodium.

• Consider a grocery delivery service- if getting to the store is challenging, it can reduce the number of fresh fruits and vegetables you are able to keep on hand. Grocery delivery can help solve this issue.

Making the kitchen enjoyable again

By using the kitchen tips and hacks discussed above, you can enjoy cooking again as an older adult, and stay safer and healthier while maintaining your independence in the kitchen.

One last thing to keep in mind: if spending time in the kitchen is an important goal for you, there are many ways a professional in-home caregiver can help you reach that goal. From helping in the kitchen with basic tasks and safety to assisting with transportation for grocery shopping, a caregiver is a valuable resource for older adults aging in place who require extra help with activities of daily living.

If you are interested in learning more about in-home caregiving, Caresify’s expert team is available to answer your questions and help you maintain your independence at home. You can read more here, or call 888-799-5007.

References

1. http://www.cpsc.gov/PageFiles/121522/5098.pdf
2. https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Building-and-Life-Safety/Home-Structure-Fires
3. https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Home-Cooking-Fires

Each year in the United States, there are an average of 346,800 house fires resulting in 2,620 deaths and 11,070 injuries. 1 By themselves, these are concerning statistics. For adults age 65 and older, this is an even more important concern, as this age group represents 30% of all home fire deaths every year. 2

As an older adult, it’s important to recognize that changes in mobility, vision, hearing, and some cases cognition can all increase your risk of fire injury or death. There are steps you can take to improve fire safety around the house and to prepare for a worst-case scenario so that you can avoid a serious outcome if a fire occurs.

Some statistics to be aware of:

• Cooking is a leading cause of house fires, with 49% of all fires caused by this activity 3
• 1 in 20 home fires is related to smoking 4
• Electrical problems are the third leading cause of home fires 5
• Home heating equipment is responsible for 1 in 7 home fires 6

Let’s consider specific tips for fire safety, as well as special situations that may add to fire risk, and discuss how you can develop a fire safety plan that everyone in your household can use.

General fire safety

Every day fire safety is something we should all be practicing. There are common fire hazards around the home that you can be aware of and related safety strategies you can learn to prevent fires.

Home heating

Heat sources are a leading cause of home fires, especially in the winter months. Space heaters account for 81% of home heating-related fire deaths, and 54% of deaths are related to heat sources that were too close to flammable objects. 7 To reduce the risk of fire due to home heating, follow these tips:

• Have your chimney(s) cleaned and inspected at least annually by a professional 8

• Keep items at least 3 feet away from heat sources, including furniture, curtains, and clothing 9

• Never use kitchen appliances to heat your home

• Have your furnace or other heating systems inspected and maintained each year by a professional

• If you use a space heater, make sure it has an automatic shutoff if tipped over

• Don’t leave heat sources unattended- turn off space heaters if you leave the room or go to sleep

Electrical hazards

Home wiring, plugs, outlets, cords, lighting, and electrical appliances can all contribute to electricity-related home fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that 10% of all fires are related to electrical sources. 10

You can follow these tips from the U.S. Fire Administration to reduce your risk of electrical fires: 11

• Don’t overload extension cords, and replace damaged extension cords right away

• Don’t overload outlets or power strips

• Plug major appliances (refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, etc.) directly into wall outlets, never extension cords

• Unplug small appliances when not in use (or consider smart plugs that will turn them off automatically)

• Don’t use items with damaged cords

• Keep flammable items away from lighting and light bulbs

• Don’t allow cords to be pinched or damaged

• Be sure plugs are fully seated in outlets

• Have any electrical work done by a licensed professional

Clothes dryers

This appliance deserves special attention, as it is responsible for 2,900 home fires each year, with 34% of these fires caused by a failure to clean the dryer. 12 Some simple tips can help you avoid home fires due to clothes dryers:

• Always clean the lint filter between each load

• Clean the lint vent every 3 months 13

• Be sure the dryer vent hose is not crushed or pinched

• Have the dryer and vent system professionally cleaned regularly, especially if it is taking longer to dry

• Be sure the electrical cord is connected correctly to the dryer and plugged into the correct outlet designed for dryers only

• The dryer outlet on the exterior of the home should have a covering that keeps out debris and animals but doesn’t obstruct air flow

• Don’t use the dryer to dry flammable items like foam or rubber

• Don’t use a dryer that you know has a clogged lint filter or vent

• Don’t leave the dryer running when you are asleep or away from home

Smoking

Along with health risks related to smoking, there are also fire hazards connected to this habit. Each year, 5% of home fires and 23% of home fire deaths are related to smoking. 14

The best way to prevent this risk is to quit smoking. You can have a conversation with your doctor about the best ways to quit successfully, or the National Quit Smoking hotline offers free resources and coaching to help you succeed. You can call this hotline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

Other tips to reduce smoking-related fire risks:

• Never smoke in bed
• Smoking outside is the safest choice, rather than inside the home
• Don’t smoke after taking medication that makes you sleepy, or after using alcohol or drugs
• Be sure cigarettes are put out completely, and never leave them lit when not in use
• Use ashtrays with a wide base that won’t tip
• NEVER smoke around medical oxygen, which can explode

Other fire sources around the house

Along with the above sources, there are some other household fire culprits that should always be handled carefully. Never leave the following items in and around the home unattended or use them near items that can easily burn:

• Candles
• BBQ grills
• Wood stoves and fireplaces
• Holiday decorations like Christmas tree lights

Next, we’ll discuss kitchen safety in detail, as it’s a major fire safety concern.

Kitchen safety and fires

Because cooking fires are a major source of home fires and injuries, it’s especially important to take steps to avoid this concern. For older adults with memory issues like dementia, accidentally leaving the stove unattended can have serious consequences and increases this risk. Caregivers should take additional precautions to help these older adults reduce the chances of a kitchen fire happening.

Basic cooking safety tips

Always be sure to follow these everyday kitchen safety practices:

• Don’t use the stove if you have taken any medications that make you drowsy, or are under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• Don’t leave the stovetop unattended

• Always set alarms to remind you to check on food

• Keep flammable items like pot holders, food packaging, towels, and curtains away from the stove

• Don’t wear loose or long-sleeved clothing while cooking

• Keep the stove and burners clean of buildup or residue

• Never try to put out a grease fire with water

• Cover burning pans with a lid if possible and leave covered until cooled

• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen area

Technology for kitchen fire safety

Smoke alarms should always be present in the home and they aid with fire safety in the kitchen, but there are some great ways that newer technologies can help with this, too. For older adults with dementia, these technologies can help caregivers prevent cooking fires when they aren’t able to supervise– and they can increase safety for any older adult.

Here are some examples:

• Stove shutoff timers that can be pre-set

• The FireAvert, which interacts with your existing smoke detector to shut off the stove in the event of an alarm

• Motion detectors that will turn the stove off if you move too far away, including smart monitoring systems like the iGuardStove, which can send caregivers alerts and allows remote access to safety settings

Special circumstances to consider for fire safety

While the technology described above can help reduce concerns– especially where dementia is involved– there are a few other health and age-related circumstances that can affect fire safety, too. If the following situations apply to you or your loved one, you need to take additional precautions:

• Mobility issues
• Vision problems
• Hearing loss
• Oxygen use

Mobility issues

If mobility is challenging for you, preparing ahead for a fire should include planning for any limitations. Here are some basic tips:

• Sleep on the ground floor of your home (or try to live in a first-floor apartment if possible)
• Always keep mobility devices close by especially when sleeping
• Ensure fire exits are not blocked
• Make your local fire department aware of your mobility limitations
• If you live with others and stairs are a barrier, consider having a portable emergency stretcher available

Vision and hearing problems

It is common for vision and hearing problems to increase with aging, and special steps should be taken to improve safety for older adults who might be impacted by these difficulties in a fire emergency.

For vision problems:

• Identify escape routes in your home and practice using them so that you can find your way out in an emergency
• Be sure working smoke detectors are in the home
• Notify your local fire department that you have a visual impairment
• Keep your planned escape paths free of clutter and other obstacles
• Consider brightly lit emergency exit signs or lights to increase visibility in a fire

For hearing problems:

• Use smoke detectors with bright strobe light effects to notify of fire
• Look for devices that interact with smoke detectors to emit a low-pitched sound that is easier for older adults to hear
• Use a bed or pillow shaking alarm system to alert a sleeping person who is hearing impaired
• Notify your local fire department that you are hearing impaired

Oxygen use and fire precautions

Home oxygen use increases the risk of fire because oxygen is highly flammable and even a small spark can cause an explosion or fire. If you use home oxygen, it is extremely important to take extra steps to avoid this hazard. The NFPA recommends: 15

• Never, ever smoke when oxygen is in use.
• Candles, matches, wood stoves, and any other source of a spark should not be used in the home
• Keep oxygen cylinders at least 5 feet from any heat source, open flame, or electrical devices
• Hand lotion, body oil, and other greasy substances can catch fire easily- don’t use them near oxygen
• Aerosol sprays that are combustible should never be used near oxygen

In addition, posting clear “no smoking” signs where oxygen is in use can remind others to avoid smoking. Store oxygen canisters away from heat sources and in an upright position.

Have a safety plan

Along with all of the previously discussed precautions, it’s critical that you have a safety plan in the event of a fire, and that everyone in your family is aware of it. Let’s look at some basic components of a safety plan:

Smoke detectors

Smoke detectors are the anchor point for any fire safety plan because they alert you to the presence of a fire in time to escape safely. Even though 90% of US households have smoke detectors, it’s estimated that 20% of them don’t work due to dead or missing batteries. 16

The Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that smoke alarms be installed on every level of the home and outside each bedroom, and all smoke alarms should be tested monthly.

Evacuation plan

You should know ahead of time what to do if you spot a fire or are warned of fire by your smoke alarms. There are several key tips to follow in creating a safe evacuation plan:

• Keep glasses, hearing aids, and a cell phone in reach of where you sleep

• Along with notifying the local fire department of any vision, hearing, or mobility problems, it can be helpful to alert neighbors and building managers ahead of emergencies, too

• Think about 2 ways you can safely get out of any room, and practice ahead of time

• Make sure all doors and windows in the home are easy to open

• Remember to crawl low to the ground to avoid smoke

• Always check to see if door handles are hot before opening any doors in a fire. If they are, use another exit from the room like a window

• Never use an elevator to escape a fire- use stairs instead

• Choose a safe meeting spot outside and away from the home where everyone should gather, so there is no confusion about who might still be in the house

• Never go back into a burning building for any reason. Get out quickly, call 911, and stay out

• Practice your entire evacuation plan with everyone in the home at least twice a year

Some final thoughts

Following the fire safety tips in this guide can both help you avoid a fire in the first place, and escape without injury if one occurs.

If mobility, vision, and hearing issues are a concern for you, communication is key. Talk to friends, neighbors, family, and the local fire department about your limitations and plans in case of a fire.

Don’t forget to involve any professional caregivers in your safety precautions and plans. They can help you maintain safe habits like regularly checking smoke detectors and using smart technology around the house to avoid hazards. It’s also important they’re aware of your evacuation plans and meeting spot in emergencies.

With some attention to these factors, you can rest more easily knowing your risk of fire, injury, and fire-related death is decreased.

If you’re considering in-home care to assist with mobility, everyday needs, and special precautions like fire safety, Caresify’s professional team can help you meet these needs. You can learn more here, or call 888-799-5007.

References

1. https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Building-and-Life-Safety/Home-Structure-Fires
2. https://www.osfc.pa.gov/FireSafety/Pages/Elderly%20Adult%20Fire%20Injury%20and%20Prevention.aspx
3. https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Building-and-Life-Safety/Home-Structure-Fires
4. https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Smoking-Materials
5. https://www.esfi.org/home-electrical-fires/
6. https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Heating-equipment
7. https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Heating-equipment
8. https://www.csia.org/homeowner-resources/faqs/
9. https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Heating
10. https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Electrical
11. https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/electrical.html
12. https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/clothes_dryers.html
13. https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/clothes_dryers.html
14. https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Smoking-Materials?gclsrc=aw.ds&?order_src=G054&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0JiXBhCFARIsAOSAKqBCAwwoeOR84_-wLJ6QMXmRghyeVcpqiH-RfMxI6DebqhtH_Kvi10saAs2rEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
15. https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/OxygenSafety.ashx
16. https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2003/CPSC-Warns-Millions-of-Americans-Have-Smoke-Alarms-that-Dont-Work

July marks UV Safety Awareness month, a topic all older adults should be familiar with as part of healthy skin care and skin cancer prevention.

Ultraviolet radiation, known as UV radiation, is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is made by the sun. Because our skin is directly exposed to UV rays from the sun when we’re outside, it can be damaged by this exposure.

Understanding UV radiation and UV safety are especially important during the summer months when more time is spent outdoors. But regardless of the time of year, taking simple precautions to protect your skin from UV damage should be a priority.

Read on for more details and some easy steps you can incorporate into your daily routine!

The basics: UV radiation

Although UV radiation can come from some artificial sources (like tanning beds), the most common source of UV radiation is sunlight. 1 UV radiation is a type of energy.

There are three types of UV radiation:

• UVA- long UV wavelengths with lower energy, easily transmitted through the atmosphere. 95% of UV rays that reach your skin are UVA rays. 2

• UVB- shorter UV wavelengths with higher energy, partially transmitted through the atmosphere.

• UVC- the shortest UV wavelength with the highest energy, blocked completely by the ozone layer in the atmosphere.

Because UVA and UVB rays reach the earth, these are the parts of UV radiation that commonly cause skin damage.

The amount of UV radiation reaching the earth depends on many factors, including where you are located, the time of year, the time of day, cloud cover, and more. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) forecasts the Ultraviolet Index (UVI) by zipcode so that you can see how high UV levels are in your area each day. The higher the number, the higher the level of UV radiation your skin is exposed to.

Risks due to UV exposure

There are several established risks to UV exposure. These include:

• Skin damage
• Skin cancer
• Eye damage
• Immune system damage

It’s worth mentioning again that although sunlight is the main source of UV exposure, using tanning beds can also cause the same damage caused by UV radiation from sunlight.

Let’s look more closely at each of these possible problems due to UV exposure.

Skin damage

Because UV radiation causes DNA damage to cells, it can cause premature aging of the skin, sometimes called photoaging. The EPA notes that 90% of skin changes thought to be related to aging are caused by sun exposure. 3

Symptoms of skin damage due to UV exposure include wrinkles, thick or leathery skin, brown spots (sometimes called liver spots), and a condition called actinic keratosis. These are red, rough-textured skin growths that often appear on the face, arms, hands, or neck. If you find a growth that looks like this, you should have it checked by a doctor.

Skin cancer

Actinic keratosis can be a precancerous growth, and several types of skin cancer have been connected to UV exposure. Most skin cancers appear after age 50, and over 1 million non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed each year. 4 Skin cancers caused by UV exposure include:

• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Basal cell carcinoma
• Melanoma

The CDC recommends contacting your doctor if you notice any changes to an existing mole, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a new growth you haven’t noticed before, especially if it changes rapidly. 5

Eye damage

UV exposure can also affect the eyes. Some eye conditions related to UV exposure include:

• Photokeratitis (similar to a sunburn of the eye)
• Cataracts
• Macular degeneration
• Pterygium (where tissue grows on the eye’s surface)
• Cancer of the eye

Immune system damage

The World Health Organization notes that UV exposure has several negative effects on the immune system by suppressing it: 6

• Potential development of skin cancers
• Increased risk of bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal infections
• Reduced vaccine effectiveness

UV safety tips

With all of these established risks to UV exposure, what safety tips can you follow to reduce UV damage?

The CDC recommends taking safety measures anytime the UV index is 3 or higher. 7 They also note that less than 50 percent of older adults do so, despite higher rates of skin cancer in this age group. 8 There are several things you can do to counter harmful rays from the sun:

• Seek shade- being in the shade partially reduces UV exposure, but not fully. 9 It’s a good strategy to use in combination with other protective measures, though. It can also help you to avoid overheating in high temperatures.

• Wear protective clothing- long sleeves can help block some UV rays, and tightly woven clothing may be more protective. Look for clothing that is UPF rated. Clothing with a UPF rating of 30 or higher can earn the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Approval. 10 Dark-colored clothing may also offer better protection than lighter clothing.

• Wear sunscreen- this is an important strategy to reduce UV damage. It’s recommended to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 (some organizations recommend at least SPF 30 for outdoor activities). Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours or after swimming. 11

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat- a hat can help shield your face, neck, and eyes from UV exposure.

• Wear sunglasses- don’t forget your eyes! You can reduce UV exposure by wearing protective sunglasses. The FDA recommends using sunglasses with a UV 400 rating or “100% UV protection” on the label. 12

UV safety is an important part of your health

It’s also important to keep the above tips in mind if you are a caregiver for an older adult. Older adults with dementia, for example, may not be aware of skin damage like sunburn happening and may not report discomfort. Establishing a routine for applying sunscreen and making sure that any professional caregivers have access to sun-protective clothing, accessories, and extra sunscreen is important.

As you can see, there are many reasons to incorporate UV safety into your daily self-care activities. Whether you’re at home this summer or traveling, and trying to enjoy the health benefits of getting outdoors, it’s easy to avoid both the short and long-term consequences of UV exposure with a few extra steps.

If you’re looking for in-home caregiver services to help with daily care tasks like implementing UV safety, Caresify can help! You can read more about available care here, or call 888-799-5007.

References

1. https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/tanning/ultraviolet-uv-radiation
2. https://www.cancer.org/healthy/cancer-causes/radiation-exposure/uv-radiation.html
3. https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/health-effects-uv-radiation#aging
4. https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/cancer/skin-cancer/causes-skin-cancer/effects-uv-exposure.html
5. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/symptoms.htm
6. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/Radiation-effects-of-ultraviolet-(uv)-radiation-on-the-skin-eyes-and-immune-system
7. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm
8. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/research/articles/older-adults-protect-skin-sun.htm
9. https://www.skincancer.org/blog/healthy-skin-made-in-the-shade/
10. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sun-protective-clothing/
11. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm
12. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/tips-stay-safe-sun-sunscreen-sunglasses